Understanding Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails are common garden pests that can cause significant damage to plants, especially those with tender leaves. They have distinct feeding mechanisms, using rasping mouthparts to scrape off bits of foliage, which sets them apart from other pests like caterpillars. Gardening on chalky soil often leads to an increase in snail populations, as they require calcium for shell formation. This understanding is crucial for effective garden management and pest control.